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Theileria orientalis Ikeda in Cattle, Alabama, USA
Nneka Iduu1, Subarna Barua1, Shollie Falkenberg1
1Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA.
Veterinary Sciences
|November 24, 2023
Summary
Theileria orientalis Ikeda, a cattle parasite causing economic losses, has been detected in Alabama. Researchers confirmed its presence in cattle, highlighting potential transmission risks beyond its known tick vector.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Molecular Diagnostics
- Animal Health Economics
Background:
- Theileria orientalis Ikeda is an economically significant cattle parasite prevalent in Asia, New Zealand, and Australia.
- Since 2017, T. orientalis Ikeda has been identified in seven U.S. states, raising concerns about its spread and impact on American cattle.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detect and characterize Theileria orientalis Ikeda in cattle populations in Alabama, USA.
- To assess the prevalence and genetic identity of T. orientalis Ikeda in Alabama cattle.
Main Methods:
- Blood samples from 219 cattle in Alabama were analyzed using validated PCR tests for Theileria.
- DNA sequencing of the MPSP gene was performed to identify T. orientalis genotypes and compare them to known strains.
Main Results:
- Two cattle in Alabama tested positive for T. orientalis Ikeda, with MPSP gene sequences showing a 100% match to recognized strains.
- High copy numbers of T. orientalis Ikeda were detected in infected cattle, indicating a significant pathogen burden.
- The known vector, Haemaphysalis longicornis tick, was not identified in Alabama, suggesting alternative transmission routes.
Conclusions:
- Theileria orientalis Ikeda is present in Alabama cattle, posing a potential threat to the U.S. cattle industry.
- Persistent infections and high pathogen loads in seemingly healthy cattle suggest efficient transmission mechanisms may be active.
- Further surveillance for T. orientalis Ikeda and its vectors in the U.S. is crucial to understand and manage its spread and pathogenicity.
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